Khodorkovsky documentary stolen as its Berlin premiere approaches

A documentary about Russian oligarch and outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, has been stolen from director Cyril Tushci's office in Berlin just days before the Berlin Film Festival. This is, however, not the first time the documentary has been subject to odd goings-on, as a laptop containing film materials was also stolen from Tushci's hotel room in Bali a month ago. Luckily, 'Khodorkovsky' had already been submitted in rough form to the festival and its screening will go ahead as planned on February the 14th.

Centering on the controversial trial and imprisonment of Khodorkovsky, the film has naturally piqued interest in many quarters and, seemingly, also caught the eye of people determined to halt the film's release. Tushci has stated that he believes he has been followed for the duration of the documentary's production, which totals over 180 hours of interviews with, amongst others, family members and former business partners of the imprisoned Khodorkovsky, as well as a fleeting interview with the man himself.

The documentary is scheduled to be screened four times throughout the festival and, barring any more mystery burglaries, will provide an unabashed look at the modern Russian justice system.